February 12, 2008

Some of my observations of the Potomac Primary races held this evening where Obama again overwhelmed Hillary replete with what must be now much more than 45% negatives. After the big blunder, two crying jags and constant trot out of Chelsea and a somewhat altered Bill, her campaign went a little short and she sent packing a prominent Hispanic and some other honcho, what other result could you expect than a Obama romp? On to Obama. I saw his speech tonight and he brought back memories of a recording artist who I first saw perform in Washington Square Park in 1968 during my Love generation years as a student down in New York City's illustrious and tuneful Greenwich Village.This man's name was Gil Scott Heron, a black man who in some ways expressed the same gloom and doom I heard in listening to Obama's speech. Gil Scott Heron's signature song as a jazz-message performer who probably would make the Alternative genre in 2008 was an unimaginably provocative composition entitled "Winter in America". He spoke of the "robins resting in the barren tree tops" presiding over an icy plain. You can actually download Winter in America from I Tunes for 99cents and then compare it to Obama asserting tonight that insofar as he originally voted against the war he was always right in doing so and substantiating an immediate pullout by virtue of what was his judgement call. I don;t think, as distasteful as war always is, we have yet reached a credible conclusion  on the ultimate disposition of the initial entry and whether it was right. I do not believe that it is Winter in America at all because I am optimistic about the American resolve and courage to overcome all of our current problems and proceed to victories on all levels. If Mr. Obama wishes to be a robin in a barren tree top looking over an iced plain, he can can continue at his own volition to be the Gloomy Gus candidate that I think he is. Beating Hillary Clinton these days reminds me of the Dempsey-Firpo fight a very long time ago with Firpo, the Argentinian Giant being knocked clear out of the ring and into the lap of a ring side reporter, unable to continue.

commonsenseunlimited

February 11, 2008

Obama has certainly served the Democrats in the Primary Elections as the whirling dervish rock star and profoundly magnetic candidate. Two reasons for his success at this juncture in the race is that Al Gore so far is not running and Hillary has negatives galore and has appeared weary and inattentive when she blundered with the Dr.King declaration. There is probative evidence when analyzing demographic statistics that Hilliary had a good portion of Black voter support everywhere before the infamous statement that alluded to the requirement of white people, white politicians and their support to have launched Dr. King's Dream. after which as was clearly the case Hilliary lost the lion share of Black votes in state after state. Obama is frequently cited for his lack of specificity on matters such as universal health care, the War and the economy and appearing more as an inspirational speaker than someone who really knows the intrinsic features of accomplishing programs that he has no background in initiating and resolving a war that is likely to require approval of our military, they know what to do. My take is that Obama is a savvy lawyer who realizes for whatever reason that he is winning. Why change horses in midstream. Maybe Obama thinks specificity opens up a whole can of worms and bring out a locust like attack against his ideas generated from the media and the electorate all of whom tend to be iconoclastic when a candidate starts fine tuning his generalities.
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It is possible that Obama  could inspire his way into winning the nomination. I have heard him interviewed on one occasion where Chris Wallace I seem to remember, pinned him down and Obama actually offered statistics and factual information on one of the big issues. Remember Ali playing rope a dope and than slipping out of the corner to knock his man out?  That's Mr. Obama- beat up a George Chavalo candidate who begins the bout by losing in advance and then "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee". I would vote for John McCain on life support as opposed to those two.


commonsenseunlimited

February 7, 2008

Those of us old enough to remember Camelot, PT 109, and the mystical allure of Hyannisport also remember John F Kennedy taking on Lyndon Baines Johnson as his running mate. This was called the Southern Strategy although political science majors will always tell you that voters will always vote for President as when George Bush Senior chose an unknown and spell check candidate for Veep named Dan Quayle and still prevailed easily. Just throwing up a trial balloon, if John McCain suceeds in mending fences with the Conservatives, Huckabee would add the old Southern Strategy to what could be conceiveably and at present a highly speculative piece of conjecture but a real good possibility for the Republicans.

commonsenseunlimited

February 6, 2008
 
I have already gone on the record in one of my blogs as indicating that If in the Fall any significant military matter impacts on our safety even in a small way, John McCain will sweep in. After the bout with insomnia I endured as I watched Super Tuesday enfold and in the subsequent political analysis on Fox News, I began to get a wee bit fluttery about Mr. McCain and the Conservative voting angst that is starting to play out. John McCain, it appears must start moving to the right and appeasing this powerful voting block if he is to ensure with all certainty a victory under all prevailing circumstances in the Fall. Digressing to another subject, when I see Jay Leno interviewing "the man in the street" I am astounded at the sheer preponderance of Americans lacking educational backgrounds that were of any usefulness and I am afraid to dare and suggest higher IQ levels. People I meet just walking around town when I buy in stores, hire home contractors, get new tires are fine Americans who continue to be the backbone of our workforce. But do these potential voters understand that the Iraq situation, Universal Health care issue, oil prices. the economy and actually manufacturing something right here in America are simply draft documents or sketchy plans furthered by Hillary Clinton but more so by Barack Obama, both Smoking Mirror Candidates. They are the very Chicken in Every Pot politicians that the types of voters who are buying into Promises Promises are going to find out in the Fall after possibly defeating McCain who at least tells you the news whether you wish to hear it or not that these issues are long standing conundrums that cannot be solved like hummingbirds mating. Whether Hillary or Obama have offered the best laid plans of mice and men or not, even the hopefully night school bound individuals in the street should take note that government is a slow moving train that always gets there. The two Democratic candidates are assuring the impetuous expediency concerning ther immediate resolution of extremely complex issues that John McCain with all his problems with the Conservatives that evidently will be settled soon has always spoke to the American people about in an honest and straightforward manner.

commonsenseunlimited 

February 4, 2008

It is my utmost and final disposition of a Presidential Candidate and ultimate victor in any such election that the individual be held to  a higher order. Now that Hillary Clinton has again exhibited either uncommon emotion or unprecedented behavior with the second crying jag as witnessed by the entire nation on the media, I am sure that her credibility is spiraling as a potential Commander and Chief. This nation as a point of evidence has been attacked in the past and I really do not want my President to reach for the hanky or worse yet start bawling if there is a crisis to be dealt with. It is stating to look close for Super Tuesday but because there are flexible issues like Super Delegates and other arm twisting maneuvers which favor Hillary Clinton, I think she will prevail in spite of the Lucy Ricardo affectations that all of us are starting to be puzzled by. I also feel that she has much more to offer than Barack Obama. Fox News tonight had their audience survey fellow ask everyone if they could name one single accomplishment by Barack  Obama politically during what I would categorize as a quiet and nondescript career serving the public. No one could come up with an originally proposed bill or foreign policy achievement. Voters may want to consider engaging his services as an after dinner speaker or maybe as a spokesman for Armani suits. I have always maintained that Mr. Obama is an excellent public speaker, a superb dresser and truly competent attorney. Both individuals, however, are running for the highest office in the land and many specify the Free World as being under the President's domain.  Unlike what appears to be a substantial number of Americans who apparently  see something in these candidates that I am unable for some reason to quantify, I refuse to be snowed.This Election 2008 and our ultimate choice will be astoundingly significant in the face of the troubling  issues that are now with us as Americans. It is imperative that we all perform our due diligence and hold our candidates to the highest order and scrutiny.

commonsenseunlimited

February 3, 2008,

I watched Hillary Clinton on ABC This Week this morning speak about her phenomenal "Chicken in Every Pot" health care plan. She commented on some of the more insignificant concerns surrounding Barack Obama's plan without moving me at all. I think that we are overlooking a very powerful and indispensable interest group, the American Medical Association and our physicians. I do not consider our valued medical practitioners and their staffs and contributing professions to be greedy. On the other hand, it is unimaginatively and frightfully expensive to pay the insurance and run the office. Many doctors do  not net the millions of dollars that you think they do. They as a group are going to fight fiercely against any plan that may surprisingly enough inhibit their ability to even stay afloat both personally and professionally. Look at me, although having worked in a civil service position for a long time, I am not worried about ever not having the best insurance. I am under sixty and in fabulous physical condition because I am a health eater and marathon swimmer and walker. I have never had an operation or  illness worth noting. And yet as a family of average size although we are all in great health, when penciling in the maternity costs, I bet our provider has shelled out over $150,000 for only this and that.. I don't know about you but my plan receives unbelievable bills for lilipution medical events. So how do Hillary and Barack figure out  where all this money is going to come from regarding our end of it as residents on the plan? I would guess that whether you consider tax raises or actually premiums, you are probably in the $3.000 to $5,000 range per year per family. Hilliary did not mention any exclusions contemplated, such as pre-existing conditions, addictions, mental health. Now you our citizens for being broke, garnishee wages, or do they simply  get $300-$500 monthly bills in the mailbox?. Just remember this, you have two attorneys who have their sights on the White House. Also. health care money and the dollars to enable plans to operate our hugely unmanageable system have to come from somewhere. Historically that usually means you and me.

commonsenseunlimited

February 1, 2008

The economy understandably is center stage in all political debates Republican or Democrat and last night's more amiable forum between Obama and Clinton was no exception. One of them reminds me of the guy in a silk suit who convinced me to lend him my El Dorado with him leaving town with my rent money. The other reminds me of a landlord and tenant attorney who smiles a lot and tries to preside over all the evicted squatters in the squalid courtroom. Come on, what dream team are you conjuring up? To me it is irrelevant who will be on top and who will be on the bottom. Hillary has no experience in military matters with respect to keeping America safe from any conceivable outside threat . I understand that Obama's political history is very light and mostly comprised of voting and walking out of the room. Anyway, Obama is likable, a good dresser, and a consummate orator. That, as we said as I was growing up in New York City and 50 cents will get you on the subway. I am sure that John McCain by May will have moved significantly to the right and effectively put to a stop his love hate relationship with certain segments of the Republican and Conservative parties. We simply are going to see past events in McCain's political career cease to be any definitive issue in a derailment of his agenda to prevail in our global fight for America's safety. Mitt Romney in my view, has fallen like a king piece in a chess match whereas he has been checkmated out of the race. On another note, it is entirely possible that Obama's big win in South Carolina was based on a whiplash directed against Hillary due to her nonsensical blunder regarding some kind of blast initiated by LBJ as an enabler to Martin Luther King. Black people as voters are extremely knowledgeable  and thoroughly intuitive as well. I know, having been born and raised in a predominantly Black and Puerto Rican neighborhood in New York City on the fringes of Harlem, I know that Blacks, Jews and Hispanics are all and always  pleased to have a a member of their respective communities elected to any higher office and that as far as anybody is concerned is the way it should be. But voters can see through the empty rhetoric and will not vote for anyone that due to inexperience or concomitant mistakes, make their advocacy  look bad. Both the dream team candidates are telling the American people that they will cut and run, Hillary I think said in two months along with her typical qualifiers. I never pose any rendition on things like this because I do not know enough of the whole story and neither does Obama and Clinton, I'll bet. Most Americans including these two Democratic hopefuls do not realize that a Democracy does not require the government to dispense classified information to citizens for any reason. So to unilaterally and arbitrarily say that we are going to just plain pullout immediately when I don't think anybody on the street as was the case in Vietnam has been supplied with all pertinent information to enable a credible decision on wartime matters is not only irresponsible but probably will bring us from the frying pan into the fire. Leave unto Caesar what is Caesar's. Black, White and Hispanic and all American voters as of today's best view of where we are at globally and then adding up the problems we have as a country ; I am suggesting that all voters should positively be thinking of John McCain as their most logical and results producing choice. There are hundreds of economic experts who can assist Mr. McCain through professional advice on how to fix the economy.

commonsenseunlimited

January 31, 2008

I am just now watching Governor Romney being interviewed on Hannity and Colmes while I dash off this blog. I really like Mitt Romney, he is handsome, even ten years more youthful looking than his actual age. Those of us that clearly remember Kennedy-Nixon know very well that looks count. With Bush-Dukakis, both height and a stupid tank video helped Bush the elder win easily. Mr. Romney is still spinning that tale about being an ersatz economist pertinent to a silver spoon business career. The Mormon card, although I believe inherently without merit will always be omnipresent although presently probably reverting to a subliminal discrimination. Once voters in America are in the booth on Super Tuesday, discrimination laws are no where to be found at that moment when the puppet show curtain is closed behind them. I think that when it is all over, John McCain will win the Republican nomination and under certain scenarios the Presidency. Mitt Romney has all the positive attributes anyone in a classic sense would ever desire in a candidate. One thing he is not and something that cost George Bush the election against Bill Clinton who did not have substantial national recognition at the time is someone that any of us have had a shot of jack with and then went on to a night of eight ball. Virtual elitism never helps in a troubled economy among the proletariat; the regular joes who see Romney as a Trump-Gates CEO type whom none us will ever get to even talk to during our simplistic daily ennui. All I hear on the media is accusations of John McCain falsifying Romney's record in the past and the present. Political commentators are quipping about John McCain's political views and his stance on issues. There is just one thing, John McCain is a military man and probably on the inside of a lot of information that Romney and Mrs. Clinton know nothing about. John McCain suffered unmitigated torture and survived when incarcerated as a soldier who crash landed in his plane. John McCain is the only choice for America over Mrs. Clinton even if the military issue is that we are still infused in Iraq or if there is a more troubling terrorism situation present in the Fall. When America needs a military man in there, he is going to win and all these side and cross complaints will melt in the face of our country positively requiring a Commander and Chief who has the knowledge and experience to dish it out if he has to, in a sense able to put it all together. That person is not Ms. Clinton and not Mitt Romney. Do the math.


commonsenseunlimited

January 30, 2008

Mitt Romney is certainly more energized and motivated sine the beginning of the pre-election season. He fought back forcibly against adversarial campaign smears and appears to have good resolve. Mitt Romney started to catch fire in Florida when he made his argument about being in big business which would indicate his success in solving our economic slowdown which includes the sub prime mortgage crisis, the credit crunch, lack of sustaining jobs, huge consumer debt  and lack of good sentiment. I have reservations about the veracity of this supposition unless Romney at anytime obtained a degree in economics or for any reason now has the type of knowledge that a Federal Reserve Governor, Economist,a member of a congressional committee, a Harvard professor in a governmental financial management subject, would necessarily have. I don't think anyone who has ever been elected President of the United States had any specific ability on their own to tackle inflation, rising interest rates, unemployment, prices of goods and services, oil price issues and much more. That is why we have on board the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve, the Mint and virtually dozens of advisers and other departments that are the experts and Congress. Just because Romney was the juggernaut behind Staples and says he "created" so many jobs to further his argument. I think that what this may mean is that he may have took over when people were already layed off and then what caused him to put on hundreds of people was when the American economy improved in and of itself allowing the engagement of workers for that reason. Nothing was "created"  by his cooperation, especially since stepped up hiring in the retail sector mostly depends on sales performance versus expansion. Let's face it. I have never walked into any of these stores and met wealthy salespeople or cashiers. You do not take a retail job to get rich, especially if you are on the floor. Finally, McCain I believe knows much less about solving the R word than Romney does but I do contend that he will win the nomination due to his being a true military insider and as I have said, there are plenty of individuals in the Federal government to assist John McCain properlyto fix the economy. That military persona is strong and imposing and may, depending on the winds that are blowing in October may just carry Mr. McCain into the White House. The overwhelming majority of Americans have never hung out at the pool hall with anyone like Mitt Romney and especially in troubled economic times, a sense of identification becomes thin and distant.

commonsenseunlimited

January 27, 2008

I was reviewing my past blogs and after careful consideration today, decided to refine and amend the dispositions I have made in the past with respect to Election 2008. Considering the sheer volatility of this race and issues that continue to vary from day to day, an assessment, is logically in order. Here is what I think as of all the information available to me on my perferred news source, Fox, as of the above date. I do not think it really matters who receives the nomination between Obama and Hillary although the smart money and my feelings is that the far more connected and professional Mrs. Clinton will prevail at the convention. The salient point is that if the economy as it is today the foremost concern by a country mile in the minds of the voters, the Democratic candidate no matter who it is will win. Historically, Democrats are considered by American voters to be more beneficial in office during domestic turmoil. Republicans have always been relied on if foreign policy or military matters are of most importance which would heavily favor John McCain insofar as I do not see Romney as a potential nominee. The American voters will always vote their pockets if the recession is still here or worsened in October. The Democrats represent the bailouts, give backs and programs that people actually desire in bad times. Voters know that there will be a handout if the Democrats come in. Voters do not often quantify taxation risks and spending repercussions when the rent is in jeopardy. From this moment on, it is almost inevitable that as a blogger and freelance writer I would have to consider Hillary and Obama as the same candidate and their mutual opponent, the military man-John McCain.

commonsenseunlimited

January 26, 2008

I think that we should all take a step back after we witnessed the monumental beating that Barack Obama administered to Hillary Clinton today in South Carolina. I have already gone on the record as having professed my utmost respect and admiration for Mr, Obama and his undeniable courage and conviction as he furthers his version of change in our country all the while  easily prevailing today over machine politics and unmitigated invective from a politician who just a few days ago in a disappointing moment tried to eviscerate him at a political debate for fellow Democrats for no good reason. The length and breath of his decisive victory was of such magnitude that it seriously served as a body blow to Hillary's damaged campaign.  My predictions all of which are comparable to my accuracy when as a college student I threw the dice in Las Vegas at a time when I was considered by the ladies to be a "gentleman lost at the fair"  are as folows: Obama has some possibility and maybe a credible one, of actually winning the nomination over Hillary. Winning  the Presidency, however is a horse of a different color. Predicting the duration and repercussions of a recession is just like predicting the close of the Dow at 9am. We have already seen that unpredictability when the Fed went for that moonshot and Bank America scoffed up the mortgage company and Microsoft started soaring. It's all just like me as I was at the age of 21 on that Las Vegas Strip trying to guess the hard eights. We have no idea what events, particularly foreign instances or terrorism issues or immigration matters and so it goes will occur and positively in the case of 2008 will astoundingly affect our decision. Some media political forecasters are saying that race does not  matter. If you agree then what about specific political resumes in the face of events that may or may not be an issue until we get closer to election time. If military issues are first and foremost in the minds of American voters I suggest that John McCain will win in a broad based victory. But if it is the same old same old in November and the Dow is at 15,000 because everyone closed in on the cheap we could be looking as Americans at one of our most historical events, undeniably of immeasurable significance in our relatively short history as a nation, now ultimately consumed with effecting change.

commonsenseunlimited

January 25, 2008

When I saw  that wedding or dinner show picture today with Hillary and her husband straddling the debate person of interest I was extremely aggravated as a voter and a freelance writer who wants our country to succeed continuously rather than intermittently. That picture was indicative in my view of the total outrageousnous of Hillary's 30 second sound bite allegation against Barack Obama the other night which disabled even more knowledgeable and informed Americans who closely follow political and news events from actually realizing any particular helpful information regarding the focal point of what she was trying to accomplish with her remarks. Barack shot back, to be fair with what was a weak and unsupportable rejoinder mostly due to what is the considered legitimacy of Mrs. Clinton sitting  on a Fortune 100 board which is very common for someone of her political and high profile standing to do and may have been helpful. Mr, Obama made an inference that brought my psyche back to my early days in the Haight and Golden Gate Park when Jerry Brown and the Jefferson Airplane would lam bast the big corporations and their boards for not yielding "Power to the People". There was a major difference however, while evaluating the ineffective jab dealt by Obama which simply makes him look like a fighter who only needs a better trainer to move up in the ranks and the fuzzy, undecipherable yet vicious straight right thrown by Hillary. Firstly  the whole argument obviously had no validity within a debate designed to illustrate to the voters the plans the candidates are developing to help solve our country's serious problems and convince us to vote for them. Next, as an attorney I think Hillary if she absolutely had to mention a legal matter like this was obligated to properly explain the circumstances clearly to those of us who were not at all familiar with this case and why Mr.Obama is implicated by any situation related to this matter. Another thing, If the individual mentioned has a past history, in most instances it should not be unearthed anywhere if it had been resolved in an attempt to smear him or someone he may have known when we don't even know decisive facts concerning the alleged history. I heard on Fox News today that the individual whose behavior was used as a battering ram against Obama is "under indictment". In this country in our judicial system an individual is innocent until proven guilty. While the charges are certainly serious and of great concern
I have yet to hear that this defendant has been convicted of anything  regarding the situation Hillary broached. Obama, in a smart move reminded the voters today that he himself has never been implicated formally for anything surrounding Hillary's tantrum. Then there is that picture of Hillary looking up at this very man as identified all over the media and when confronted saying that she does not remember him. In Watergate they used the word "no recollection". What happened at that debate was avoidable and as voters, writers and media, I urge your cooperation in speaking up so that we as Americans can get down to the real business at hand.

commonsenseunlimited

January 23, 2008

Mr. Obama's most notable qualities are most endearing to me and I would hope the entire American electorate. He comes across to me as being a warm, sincere and thoughtful politician who actually cares about us and solving our unimaginable problems and concerns as we live in an America that for some of us older folks is not the same country that we matured in. They compare him to the likes of Robert Plant and Billy Joel in evaluating his stature and command when facing audiences. Maybe you do need a mean streak to be President because the Clinton's, who are nasty and are politically hardened pros re ruining his chances and probably already have, Barack is just to good a person and after all. nice guys finish, well you know. I am resigned to the realization that Hillary will be the nominee and in my view and in an unfortunate state of affairs for our country has a good chance of grabbing the brass ring. I would not vote for Obama because I understand from news filings that he is tethered to not one single significant political stance or event that actually had even one repercussion on foreign or domestic policy during a very light and uneventful career in public life. I think he may be President in ten years when we can investigate as voters a more ample resume and our young folks now will be in charge then which will filter out the racism. Romney has a long road to hoe going up against Hillary because he has a skeleton in his closet which keeps busting out and creeping back in. Robert Plant did a miraculous job when he sang the greatest rock song of all times entitled "Stairway to Heaven". He is a brilliant man himself and great to interview. I would not vote for him for President either. Let's brace ourselves for a cold and icy November in our souls.

commonsenseunlimited

January 22, 2008

I saw a few vignettes of that last Democratic debate comprised of Obama,. Hillary, and Edwards playing virginal referee. My father was a high profile defense lawyer and his mission, his job and his raison detre was to defend the clients who engaged his services. His license and purpose was not to be judge and jury and preside over them therefore nobody had the authority or inherent right to blame him for what his client allegedly did. I think Hillary, herself an attorney should not have made an inference concerning a legal matter that may have astoundingly been handled by Obama's firm and not Obama as counsel. Whatever the situation was  and whoever was the attorney of record in this Chicago case which was the subject matter when Hillary sent her usual shot across the bough at Obama, defense attorneys ethically must defend their clients, keep matters conforming to the attorney client privilege, and the actual circumstances surrounding this case in  question became totally unintelligible in the two minute sound bite we heard. I personally have never even heard of this person mentioned or his legal situation. If Hillary were to get in trouble herself she , I am sure, would not want her defense lawyer or law firm criticized in the political arena. There you go. And by the way, Edwards was right, what was accomplished by this back and forth for the American people, who were the very ones being dismissed by the unsupportable darts that flew like aimless acrobats stumbling across this three ring circus.


commonsenseunlimited


 

January 21, 2008

I remember enjoying the performances of Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme. They as husband and wife were one of the premier nightclub and Ed Sullivan acts of the 1950's and 1960's. They seemed to be joined at the hip wherever they went. Even  back then, due to a genetically ingrained musical ability that later as an adult I would employ to empower myself as a professional music critic, I knew positively that Edie was a much more adept and pleasurable vocalist and a far more competent night club act versus her husband Steve. Edie Gorme was a quintessential singer but for some reason she never really got the listener credit that she deserved. Nevertheless, Steve Lawrence, even while formulating a solo career, was always there, commandeering Edie and appearing with her always, whether it was Sullivan or the Copa.

Hillary is presenting herself as the ladies' iconic candidate, capable of making impressive, complicated  decisions for our country but can't do anything without Bill either speaking for her, defending her or managing her campaign. Isn't the entire point of the glass ceiling the idea that women can move up on their own without a man calling the shots? Why does Hilliary need Bill always there joined at the hip just as in the case I metaphorically drew up  concerning a similar relationship we all witnessed, granted, in another vocation but still a legitimate comparison of the particulars in Election 2008. Who will American get at the end if this is pulled off, the puppet or the puppeteer?


commonsenseunlimited